J. Ragusa-Netto · Brazilian Journal of Biology · 2026

Spatial and temporal variation in food resources shapes foraging of the Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna; Linnaeus, 1758) in a mosaic of Cerrado densities

Resumo original em inglês

Abstract Parrots are generalist foragers that exploit habitat mosaics to meet their survival and reproductive needs. In this study, I assessed the influence of food availability on the abundance of Blue-and-yellow Macaws feeding over a mosaic of cerrado densities. The study took place at Emas National Park in Central Brazil (Goiás State), where I designated 12 transects (4 in less-dense, 4 in intermediate, and 4 in more-dense cerrado) to sample tree density, food availability, and macaw consumption. Three of the four main food species differed significantly in abundance and fruit supply: Anacardium humile was more plentiful in more open sites, while Caryocar brasiliense and Ouratea spectabilis had higher densities and fruit abundance in denser cerrado. Pouteria torta, equally abundant across all densities, provided a primary food source through its seeds. Spatial and temporal shifts in fruiting across these species led to parallel peaks of foraging Blue-and-yellow Macaws, highlighting the importance of different cerrado densities as feeding areas. Notably, the more open sites, considered highly threatened, were often exploited by large numbers of macaws during the transition from the dry to the wet season. The juxtaposition of distinct cerrado densities enables staggered pulses of resources, thereby maintaining a year-round food supply. Conserving areas with varied cerrado densities is crucial for supporting Blue-and-yellow Macaw populations, which decline as Cerrado habitats are lost.

Espécies citadas

• Ara ararauna · arara-canindé
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  Nomes populares variam entre regiões e uma mesma palavra pode designar espécies diferentes. Confira sempre o nome científico: Ara ararauna.